Lonnie Quinn is a prominent American meteorologist and television personality best known as the chief weathercaster for WCBS-TV in New York City and a national weather anchor for CBS News. Over a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, he's earned multiple Emmy Awards for his dynamic meteorological coverage and engaging on-air presence. Before stepping behind the weather wall full-time, Quinn spent years working as a daytime television actor and local news anchor.
Understanding his journey requires looking beyond basic statistics to examine his academic background, his transition from soap operas to newsrooms, and his family life in Connecticut.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born Lonnie William Quinn on August 9, 1963, in Cheshire, Connecticut, he grew up as one of seven children, sharing his childhood with six brothers and sisters. Growing up in a large household shaped his energetic and conversational communication style.
For higher education, Quinn attended Boston College, where he competed on the swim team and pursued rigorous academic coursework. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in speech communications. While his initial professional focus pulled him toward performance and acting, he later returned to intensive scientific study, earning a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificate in meteorology and pursuing ongoing formal training to sharpen his forecasting accuracy.
From Daytime Soap Operas to Broadcast News
Before becoming a fixture of tri-state area morning and evening news broadcasts, Quinn built a recognized career in Hollywood. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, he worked as a professional television actor. He is widely remembered by soap opera fans for creating the role of Will Cooney on the ABC daytime drama All My Children, appearing on the show from 1988 to 1990. Following that role, he played Rich Landers on the NBC soap opera Santa Barbara between 1992 and 1993.
Transitioning from entertainment to journalism, Quinn took on his first official newsroom role at WVIR-TV in Charlottesville, Virginia, serving as an evening news anchor and weekend weather anchor. He also worked across several local radio and television outlets in Virginia, laying the foundation for a full-time career in news.
Career at WCBS-TV and National Reach
Quinn relocated to major media markets, spending time at WTVJ in Miami, Florida, where he anchored weather reports for Today in South Florida and earned regional Emmy recognition. During his time in Miami, he covered intense hurricane seasons, collaborating closely with hurricane experts and flying directly into major storms like Hurricane Isabel with the Hurricane Hunters.
In April 2007, Quinn joined WCBS-TV in New York City, quickly establishing himself as a trusted voice for millions of viewers. He currently serves as the chief weathercaster for CBS News New York broadcasts at 5, 6, and 11 p.m., while also appearing on national broadcasts including the CBS Evening News and CBS Saturday Morning. His work has garnered more than a dozen Emmy Awards, cementing his reputation in broadcast meteorology.
Family Life and Personal Background
Quinn maintains a grounded family life away from the television studio. He married his wife, Sharon, in 2007, and the couple resides in Westport, Connecticut, alongside their children. Quinn has three children in total: a son named Nate from a previous relationship, and two daughters, Lily and Savannah.
His family is heavily focused on education and community involvement. His son Nate attended The Bronx High School of Science before moving on to study at Cornell University, an academic milestone Quinn has proudly highlighted during public school visits and community events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lonnie Quinn's exact age?
Lonnie Quinn was born on August 9, 1963. He is 62 years old.
Did Lonnie Quinn act before becoming a meteorologist?
Yes. Before moving into news and weather forecasting, Quinn spent several years as an actor on popular daytime soap operas, notably playing Will Cooney on All My Children and Rich Landers on Santa Barbara.
What awards has Lonnie Quinn won?
Quinn is a multi-time Emmy Award recipient, having won over a dozen local and regional Emmys throughout his career for excellence in weather anchoring and on-air talent.
Where does Lonnie Quinn live?
He lives with his wife Sharon and their children in Westport, Connecticut, commuting regularly into New York City for his broadcasts at WCBS-TV.
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